Austin – Ferrari adopted an aggressive strategy on Sunday in Austin, Texas. Charles Leclerc was the only driver among the top 15 on the grid to start on soft tires, while most others opted for mediums. This choice allowed the Monegasque driver to overtake Lando Norris and move into second place at the first corner.
“Starting on the grid as the only car on soft tires seemed risky,” Leclerc commented, “but in the end, it paid off.”
Leclerc’s pace began to drop due to tire degradation, but he fought with determination and intelligence to keep Norris at bay until lap 22, when he pitted for medium tires. Norris closed in again on lap 38, leading to an exciting duel that ended in the Englishman’s favor on lap 52, with Leclerc settling for third place.
This marked Leclerc’s sixth podium of the season and the 49th of his career. It was also Ferrari’s sixth podium this season, bringing the team’s total to 835. Lewis Hamilton did not make the podium but managed to secure fourth place.